Jainism and Mahavira

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Digambar Jain Sahitya Sanskriti Sanskaran Samiti

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sions upon one another for mutual benefit. He should also observe compassion towards living beings in general and towards the devout in particular. He should practise charity, contemplation, equanimity and freedom from greed. (See, Ratnakaranda., Sagaraharmamrta, Upaskadhyayana etc.). Other Pratimas like meditation, fast, renouncing eating after sun set etc. should also be observed, for attainment of gradual renunciation from worldly concern and becoming prone to monkhood. The spiritual aspirant who reaches the eleventh stage is called Ksullaka (junior) having three long pieces of clothes and a loin Cover (Langota), a Kamandalu and a broom in Digambara tradition. In Svetambara tradition he is called Sramanabhuta possessing a begging bowl and whisk broom. 3) Sadhaka Sravaka
Sallekhana, the spiritual death in Jaina tradition, is the third stage of a house-holder which is very close to that of an ascetic where the subjugation of the senses is conducive to the removal of passions. It is defined as making the physical body and the internal passions emaciated by abandoning their sources gradually at the approach of death with pleasure and not by forces. For various reasons one decides to perform Sallekhana. According to the Bhagawati Aradhana, the old age, physical weakness, famine, incurable disease, calamities etc. are such reasons which render the performence of Avasyakas impossible. It should be performed at the Jaina temple or one's own house or in jungle at the eve of the death, so that one could achieve better prospects in the next birth. Sallekhana is also called Samadhimarana. It should be observed through Ayambils, Penances, Internal and external Tapas, renunciation of worldly affairs, forgiveness, Alocana, Pratikramana, Dhyana etc. with the view to attain purification of mind. (Pravacanasaroddhara, 902-3; Bhagawati Aradhana, 253-4).
This is an important and interesting feature of the Jaina householder and spiritual aspirants. Some scholars are of opinion that Sallekhana is a sort of suicide, since there is voluntary severence of life etc. but this is not correct, as there is no passion A person who kills himself by means of passion, weapon etc. swayed by attachment, aversion or infatuation etc. commits suicide. But he who practises holy death is free from desire, anger, and delusion. Hence, it is not suicide. This is called Sallekhana in 28. Sarvarthasiddi. 7.22. Acaranga
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